Trading market? Yes, this is the hottest spot in the NBA right now. Many of the league’s big fish are heading out in hopes of finding the most suitable player for their teams. Well, stars like Jimmy ButlerDorian Finney-Smith and Zach LaVine are poised to make headlines in the bidding wars. But there could be a huge plot twist and one of the Brooklyn Nets players is in the spotlight.

NBA insiders Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst discussed the hot trade scenes. To The Hoop Collective On the podcast, MacMahon shared what he learned from one of the league’s GMs. The insider gave a surprising answer to Windy’s question: “Who do you think is the best player to be traded before the deadline?”

“The answer he came to after thinking about it for a while was Cam Johnson.” Yes, the Brooklyn Nets power forward has been quite the household name lately, especially with the LA Lakers eyeing him for a trade. The 28-year-old could be the biggest trade story before the deadline. MacMahon added: “The point is, it wasn’t Jimmy Butler.”

It’s really surprising to know that Jimmy Butler’s name isn’t making much noise in the bidding wars. The 35-year-old superstar is currently playing for the Miami Heat without an extension. “It wasn’t the work of Cam Johnson in the low 20s. This is a deal you can make happen. Wasn’t that Zach LaVine? It wasn’t a $35, $40 million deal,” MacMahon added. “It was a guy who, as you said, has a middle-class salary by NBA standards.”

Cam Johnson will earn $22.5 million for the 2024-25 NBA season. The Nets have since signed him to a four-year, $94.5 million contract. On the other hand, Jimmy Butler is making $48 million this season, so acquiring Johnson might be easier than Butler based on valuation.

At the same time, rumors suggest Rob Pelinka has kept Heat forward Jimmy Butler on his radar. Well, he has to because Cam Johnson recently announced that he wants to be with the Nets. But the question is whether the Nets will keep him. Also, could the Lakers be close to signing Jimmy?

Jimmy Butler could have his last chance at a championship with the Lakers

While Cam Johnson, on the one hand, openly expressed his loyalty and desire to stay in Brooklyn, Jimmy Butler’s scenes in Miami are a bit tricky. The Miami Heat are still deciding Butler’s fate. If he declines his $52.4 million player option, he will become a free agent. And he probably will. Instead of letting him walk for nothing after failed extension talks, the Heat could trade him. Why not grab some future assets while you can?

A 35-year-old with an injury history seeking maximum extension? Difficult question. But hey, Butler could be just the spark the Lakers need to fulfill their championship dreams. So if not Cam Johnson, then why not Jimmy Butler? The Lakers have a great chance to shake up their squad with this blockbuster. At this point, Rob Pelinka has a keen eye on the trade market to find the perfect partner for LeBron James & Co. And if he manages to get Jimmy Butler, nothing could be better!

The trading market is heating up and surprises are lurking. While Cam Johnson’s name has become a hot commodity, the Lakers could make even more noise with Jimmy Butler. The Heat have a difficult decision to make, and if they trade Butler, the entire playoff picture could change. With LeBron and the Lakers eyeing the final push for a championship, Butler could be the missing piece. The clock is ticking – who will make the boldest move?